Adjustable diaper and diaper cover



March 8, 1955 D. MAY

ADJUSTABLE DIAPER AND DIAPER COVER Filed NOV. 5, 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet l m m U m 2 Ill.

Z n nv 0 w/ 1 "I 2 Z M H RQMHRHH 1 pm a P j 6 H 0 I r r 12 INVENTOR. Y DAV/0' MAY ZWM ATTORNEVS.

March 8, 1955 MAY 2,703,577

ADJUSTABLE DIAPER AND DIAPER COVER Filed NOV. 3, 1952 3 She ets-Sheet 2 E O (T O'TS'.

IN V EN TOR. DAV/0 MAY BY JWM/ WM A TTORNEYS.

March 8, 1955 D. MAY I ADJUSTABLE DIAPER AND DIAPER COVER 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed NOV. 3 1952 INVENTOR.

- DAVID MAY- BY ,Lialiinyly ATTORNEYS United States Patent() ADJUSTABLE DIAPER AND DIAPER COVER David May, Compton, Calif.

Application November 3, 1952, Serial No. 318,428

6 Claims. (Cl. 128-284) My invention relates to the field of wearing apparel, and more particularly to a pinless diaper .and diaper cover that are adjustable in both the waist band and crotch.

This is a continuation-in-part of application Serial No. 203,924, filed by me January 2, 1951, now abandoned.

Many pinless diapers and diaper covers have been devised in the past. However, the majority of these devices have the disadvantages that they are of complicated structure, are diflicult to place on and remove from an infant or small child, and do not provide both a waistband and crotch adjustment. In addition, a number of the previously available diapers and diaper covers have a tendency to buckle and become displaced when the child on which they are positioned assumes certain positions.

The primary purpose in devising the present invention is to supply a diaper and diaper cover that eliminates the disadvantages of the prior art devices.

A major object of my invention is to provide a diaper and diaper cover that has both an adjustable crotch and waistband, does not buckle or become displaced when the baby or child assumes various positions, is easy to place on and remove from a child, may be easily laundered, and that may dry quickly.

Another object of the invention is to supply a device that is easily adjusted for various sizes, is attractive in appearance, can be fabricated from commercially avail-' able material, and does not require extensive equipment for its production.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a diaper and diaper cover that may be adapted for such wearing apparel as swim suits and the like.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred form and certain alternate forms thereof, and from the drawings illustrating those forms in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a diaper cover that is adjustable both as to waistband and the depth of the crotch;

Figure 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken on the line 22 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the device formed into the shape it will occupy when positioned on a child;

Figure 4 is a plan view of a garment similar to that shown in Figure 1, but with a diaper afiixed to one end thereof;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the garment shown in Figure 4 formed into the shape it will occupy when on a child;

Figure 6 is a plan view of a diaper in which the depth of the crotch may be adjusted in steps;

Figure 7 is a plan view of an alternate form of the device shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a plan of a diaper that may be adjusted as to crotch depth;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the device shown in Figure 8 formed in the shape it occupies when on a child;

Figure 10 is a plan view of another form of diaper cover which may be adjusted both as to waistband, and the depth of the crotch; and,

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the diaper cover shown in Figure 10 formed into the shape it occupies on a child.

Referring now to the drawings for the general arrangement of the diaper cover shown in Figures 1, 2

and 3, it will be seen that the garment includes two panels 10 and 11 that are removably connected to one another with the inner portions of thepanels overlapping one another. The panels may be formed from any one of the numerous waterproof sheet materials normally used for diaper covers.

Panel 10 includes an outer wedge-shaped section 12 and an inwardly positioned substantially rectangular section 13. A strip 14 of reinforcing material extends across the outer end of panel 10 and has two sets of laterally spaced snap fastener halves 15 of conventional design mounted thereon. Four longitudinally spaced reinforcing strips 16 are affixed in a transverse position to panel 10. Each of the strips 16 has transversely positioned snap fastener halves 17 mounted thereon for reasons that will hereinafter be explained.

Panel 11 includes a wedge-shaped section 18 that is positioned, under section 13 as may be seen in Figure 1. Section 18 has one row of snap fastener halves 19 mounted thereon and a single snap fastener half 19 situated therebelow. Snap fastener halves 19 are adapted to engage snap fastener halves 17 to hold panels 10 and 11 together in the desired relationship.

The outer end of section 18 is doubled over to form a band 20 that has three spaced snap fastener halves positioned on each end thereof. End portions of band 20 are sewn together to form substantially rectangular areas 22. The arrangement of the band 20 and snap fastener halves 17 and 21 is clearly shown in Figure 2.

The use of this form of the invention is extremely simple. The device is formed into the shape shown in Figure 3 wherein it will be noted that waist adjustment may be obtained by use of the snap fastener halves 15 and 21. Variation in crotch adjustment is attained when snap fastener halves 19 engage two of the spaced rows of snap fastener halves 17. It will be noted that the end 24 of section 18 is V-shaped to assist in engaging the snap fastener halves 17 and 19.

The device shown in Figures 4 and 5 is substantially the same as that disclosed in Figures 1 to 3 with the ex ception that a diaper 26 is connected thereto. The parts of the garment shown in Figures 4 and 5 that are identical to those in the diaper cover disclosed in Figures 1 to 3 are identified by the same numerals but with a prime added thereto.

The longitudinal positioning of the panels 10 and 11' relative to one another to secure the desired crotch depth is accomplished as previously described in connection with the diaper cover shown in Figures 1 to 3. The snap fastener halves 17' are mounted on two longitudinally extending strips 27 that are afiixed to the section 13. The diaper extends from a strip 14' as may be seen in Figure 4. Diaper 26 may be of rectangular or any other desired shape so long as its dimensions are smaller than those of panels 10 and 11' in which it is enclosed when the garment is positioned on a child.

Use of this form of garment, like that previously described, is quite simple. Diaper 26 is first folded onto the panels 10' and 11 after they have been adjusted to the desired crotch depth. Should the panels 10 and 11' be positioned for maximum crotch depth the diaper lies on the interior surface and extends the longitudinal length thereof without folding. However, if the panels 10' and 11 are arranged to provide less than maximum crotch depth the free end portion of the diaper 26 is folded into a double layer, as may best be seen in Figure 5. After the garment shown in Figure 4 is arranged in this manner it is positioned on the child as shown in Figure 5.

The garments above described cannot buckle or become displaced when positioned on a child. The use of a plurality of snap fastener halves 15 and 21 prevents any pivoting action at their juncture no matter what position the child may assume. Likewise, the plurality of snap fastener halves 17 and 19 used for the crotch adjustment eliminates any tendency of the garment to become disarranged at the position where the panels 10 and 11 overlap.

Another form of diaper cover that has both waist and crotch adjustment is shown in Figures 6 to 9. An elongated panel 30 is provided which has a transversely posi- 31 extending across one end. Strip 31 has two groups of snap fastener halves 32 mounted on each end portion thereof, and the opposite end of panel has three rows of longitudinally spaced snap fastener halves 33 mounted thereon.

A second panel 34 is provided that is substantially rectangular in shape. This panel has a reinforcing strip 35 mounted on one end thereof. Two groups of snap fastener halves 36 are aflixed to the end portions of strip 35.

The garment shown in Figure 6 is adjusted for maximum crotch depth, and when arranged on a child will appear substantially as disclosed in Figure 9. The panels 30 and 34 are held together as a garment when one of the transverse rows of snap fastener halves 33 engages a single row of snap fastener halves 37 mounted on panel 34. When it is desired to lessen the crotch depth of the garment, the end portion 38 of panel 30 is doubled over as shown in Figure 7 and the row of snap fastener halves 33 which provide the desired adjustment is caused to engage snap fastener halves 37. The garment may then be formed into a shape such as disclosed in Figure 9.

A diaper cover is shown in Figure 8 that is formed from two elongated substantially rectangular panels 40 and 41. The panel 40 has a reinforcing strip 42 mounted in a transverse position on one end thereof. Strip 42 has two groups of snap fastener halves 43 positloned on 1ts outer end portions. A single row of these transversely spaced snap fastener halves 44 is mounted on panel 40 below strip 42.

Panel 41 has a reinforcing strip 45 sewn to one end with two groups of two snap fastener halves 46 mounted on the end portions of the strip. The end portion of panel 41 opposite strip 45 is provided with a number of rows of transversely spaced snap fastener halves 47.

In using this form of the invention the desired crotch depth is attained by causing snap fastener halves 44 to engage the row of snap fastener halves 47. In Figure 9 it will be noted that the end portion of panel 41 on which snap fastener halves 47 are mounted is folded over when less than maximum crotch depth is desired. The end portion 48 of panel 40 is also folded over when less than maximum crotch depth is desired. The manner in which the two panels 40 and 41 are folded when in a garment forming position is clearly shown in Figure 8.

Adjustment of the waist on the diaper cover disclosed in Figures 8 and 9 is attained by causing snap fastener halves 46 to engage the snap fastener halves 43.

Yet another form of diaper cover that has both waist and crotch depth adjustment is shown in Figures 10 and 11. This form includes an elongated first panel 50 which has a transversely positioned strip 52 extending across one end. Preferably, this strip 52 will be formed bv bending the outer edge of the panel over a length of elastic (not shown), whereby it will be stretchable with regard to its normal length. A row of snap fastener halves 54 are shown mounted along the strip 52. The opposite end of the first panel 50 has a reinforcing tab 56 mounting a snap fastener half 58. This panel 50 also includes a row of transversely extending snap fastener halves 60 shown mounted centrally thereof upon a reinforcin tape 61, in the section of the panel proximate the strip 52.

A second panel 62 is provided, which panel is generally wedge-shaped and includes a band 64 similar in construction to the aforedescribed strip 52 of the first panel 50. A pair of snap fastener halves 66 are mounted at the outer portions of the band 64. A row of transversely extending snap fastener halves 68 are shown mounted upon a reinforcing tape 70 secured centrally to the panel 62. The end of the second panel 62 opposite the band 64 centrallv mounts a reinforcing tab 70 to which is attached a snap fastener half 72.

In use, the second panel 62 is slid longitudinally over the first panel so as to obtain the proper crotch depth. At this point the snap fastener half 72 is engaged with the snap fastener half 60 most proximate thereto. Next, section of the first panel 50, which overlaps the opposite end of the second panel 62 should be folded over the band 64 and the snap fastener half 58 engaged with the snap fastener half 68 most proximate thereto. The de ice is then urged into the garment-forming shape shown in Figure 11 wherein it will be noted that the waist adjustment may be obtained by use of the snap fastener halves 54 and 66; the maximum waistband length being obtained by effecting engagement of the outermost snap fastener tioned strip halves of the strip 52 and the band 64. It should also be noted that with this diaper cover there are no loose ends exposed after it has been applied to a baby. This is made possible because the flap 74 formed by the section of the first panel 50 proximate the strip 52 completely covers the small ends of the second panel 62.

It will be obvious that each of these inventions may, by the use of suitable materials, be used as either a diaper or diaper cover. When used for diaper purposes the inner panel may be lengthened from, or lined with, a soft absorbent fabric that will not irritate the skin of a baby.

The invention and alternate forms thereof herein shown and described are fully capable of achieving the objects and providing the advantages heretofore mentioned, but it is to be understood that they are merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of my invention and that I do not mean to limit myself to the details of construction shown other than as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A diaper cover, comprising: a first panel; a second panel; a portion of one of said panels being positioned over the other said panel; a plurality of longitudinally extending rows of snap fastener halves mounted on said panels, said snap fastener halves removably engaging one another to permit said panels to be adjusted in the desired longitudinal relationship whereby a particular crotch depth may be secured when said panels are placed in a garment-forming position; a row of snap fastener halves mounted on the end of said first panel remote from said second panel; and a row of snap fastener halves mounted on the end of said second panel remote from said first panel, said snap fastener halves being removably engageable with the snap fastener halves mounted on the end of said first panel whereby said panels will be held together in the form of a garment and with a desired waistband adjustment.

2. A diaper cover which includes: a first panel; a second panel; selectively-engageable fastening means securing together said panels in the desired longitudinal relationship for proper crotch adjustment; a transversely positioned reinforcing strip mounted on one end of said first panel; a plurality of snap fastener halves mounted on said strip; a transversely positioned band formed on one end of said second panel; and a plurality of snap fastener halves mounted on said band engaging said strip-supported snap fastening halves so as to hold said panels in a garment-forming position of the desired waistband adjustment.

3. A diaper cover which includes: an elongated first panel; an elongated second panel; snap fastener halves mounted on each of said panels removably connecting said panels together so as to provide a crotch of the desired depth when said panels are situated in a garmentforming position; a transversely positioned reinforcing strip mounted on one end of said first panel; a plurality of snap fastener halves mounted on said strip; a transversely positioned band formed on one end of said second panel; and a plurality of snap fastener halves mounted on said band engaging said strip-supported snap fastener halves so as to hold said panels in a garment-forming position of the desired waistband adjustment.

4. A diaper cover which includes: an elongated first panel; an elongated second panel over which a portion of said first panel is positioned; a plurality of rows of snap fastener halves mounted on both said first and second panels, said snap fastener halves removably engaging one another to permit said panels to be adjusted in the desired longitudinal relationship whereby a particular crotch depth is secured when said panels are placed in a garment-forming position; a transversely positioned strip mounted on one end of said first panel; a band mounted on one end of said second panel, and snap fastener halves mounted on said strip and band for removably engaging one another so as to hold said panels together in the form of a garment.

5. A diaper which includes: a first panel; a second panel; a reinforcing strip extending across one end of said first panel; a reinforcing strip extending across one end of said second panel; a row of transversely spacgd snap fastener halves mounted on said second panel; a plurality of longitudinally spaced rows of snap fastener halves mounted on said first panel, and each of said rows of snap fastener halves engaging the row of snap fastener halves on said second panel whereby the combined longitudinal length of said panels may be controlled; and snap means mounted on said 'strip and band that adiustably engaged with one another to hold said panels when formed into a garment, the size of the waist of said garment and the depth of the crotch thereof being varied by altering the positioning of said snap means and rows of snap fastener halves.

6. A diaper which includes: an elongated first panel; a second panel that overlaps said first panel; a plurality of snap fastener halves mounted on one end of said first panel and said second panel; a row of transversely spaced snap fastener halves mounted on said second panel; and a plurality of longitudinally spaced rows of snap fastener halves mounted on said second panel, with said snap fastener halves removably engaging one another so as to hold said panels together in the form of a garment having the desired waist size, and said rows of snap fastener halves engaging one another to provide a crotch of adjustable depth when said panels are m the form of a garment.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,242,977 Marcos May 20, 1941 2,347,867 Alban May 2, 1944 2,506,231 Meyer May 2, 1950 2,607,348 Rosenblatt Aug. 19, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS 943,492 France "Mar. 20, 1947 

